John, Part 24
Series: Give Us This Day, Part 3
John 6:22-29
- Continuing in John with sermon series: “Give Us This Day” (5 parts)
-- Purpose: To examine the command (of discipleship) to follow Him (obediently)
-- FOCUS: The application of our belief is what can/will help us live faithfully!
-- Great benefit in God’s Word read over you … Read John 6:22-59 / Pray
- Today’s focus is on John 6:22-29 (three parts of one message)
-- INITIAL ASK: Do we want what Jesus offers for our own gain, or as our response of worship to Him because of what He has already done?
- Setup:
• Man has a natural hunger for physical AND spiritual food
• Most of our time and energy is spent trying to satisfy this appetite
• Recognizing this exists is the focus of the first part of this story
• DEEPER: Understanding that this hunger drives us is crucial!
First takeaway: Identify
- BIG: We need to recognize that we have an unsatisfied hunger (vv22-23)
-- Secret: This is why we pursue so many things other than God!
- In identifying, we can discover the need for more of what God offers
-- APP: Wisdom comes from knowing it is only Christ that satisfies … EXP
• Dilemma: We cannot realize this until we admit we are in need!
- It is why the crowd went looking for Him (v24) – He had what they needed
• True, it could have been all about wanting breakfast
• But if so … the logical thing would’ve been to go home! CFA?McD
• No, they were driven to have what He offered so they went looking
Second takeaway: Admit vv26-27
- Challenge: Be willing to acknowledge that our own motives can be dishonest
- We want things from God because our needs are selfish: See 2 truths:
• The things of this Earth will fail to really satisfy you Isaiah 55:2
• The things of this Earth will one day fade away Matt 24:35
-- It doesn’t mean our wants are all bad; but we have to understand them … EXP
Third takeaway: Work
- FACT: The basic wish/desire (hunger) for all humanity is:
1. To have an abundant life; a life of completeness and fulfillment
2. To have eternal life and leave a legacy that survives our deeds John 4:14
- BUT! We must be willing to work for the food that will last; to BE faithful (v27)
-- SEE: Should focus on what God can provide to be approved BY God!!
- APP: We should crave His nourishment (b/c it is never ending) Phil 4:19
-- This work allows us to have the food that brings eternal life (satisfaction)
Fourth takeaway: Respond
- To do the work of God; to witness for Him; we must BELIEVE in Him!
-- SEE: The people thought in terms of multiple “works” to complete (v28)
• They thought by doing good works they would be accepted (religious)
• Or, if they do enough, God will give favor and redeem them / us (legalism)
- Caution: IF we live this way, we will fall into 1 of 3 categories:
• Good people: Those who do lots of good things; live moral and fair
• Bad people: Those who do bad things; live immoral and crooked
• Compromising people: Those who do a little of both (most common)
o They act both moral and immoral; good and unjust acts mark their life
o They try to secure God’s approval in works but fall just short of it
o Why? They are constantly chasing the “good” to be “good enough”
- CHALLENGE: Jesus corrects this in one simple sentence!! (Re-Read v29)
• They (we) do not secure favor by being “good enough”! He never said that!
• We are not acceptable to God because of the checklist we do (legalism)
• APP: Stop living as if God is keeping score; live for Him b/c of who He is!
• We receive favor from God because we BELIEVE (one singular act!!)
• Our work is to believe in what He has done for us: opens us up to worship!
BIG IDEA / Every Head Bowed (Music)
- Let’s start here: Where are you not believing that He is enough?
- Deeper: Where are you not acting on what He has already told you to do?
Pray
